My Review For The PSP 2445 EMT Reverb Processor Plug-in

The PSP 2445 EMT reverb plugin is a remarkable homage to the legendary Swiss hardware reverb units, the EMT 244 and EMT 245. These revered units from the 1980s were trailblazers in the realm of digital reverb, and PSP Audioware has successfully brought their essence into the modern era, merging both into one sleek and highly versatile plugin.

They have successfully extracted the unique qualities of these iconic devices, known for their simplicity and musicality, while enhancing them with modern digital controls, offering users even more flexibility. This includes adjustable delay times, increased reflection options, and a wider range of reverb times.

Overview

One of the standout features of the PSP 2445 is the ability to toggle between the EMT 244 and EMT 245 models, or even use both simultaneously. The plugin is also equipped with dry-mix control and a gain knob for the output signal, giving it a comprehensive feature set.

One of the key strengths of the PSP 2445 is its versatility. You can use it on virtually anything, but it particularly shines on vocals. Many users find it challenging to get vocal reverb right, but with the PSP 2445, you’ll have no problem. Its lush, expansive sound can add clarity and space to vocals, making it an excellent alternative to other high-end reverb options like the Lexicon.

GUI Design & Controls

The PSP 2445’s interface is minimalistic yet vintage-inspired, closely resembling the design of the original EMT units. While the controls may seem standard for a reverb plugin at first glance, offering options for pre-delay, early reflections, and reverb length (ranging from 0.2 to 5 seconds); there are deeper features to explore.

Two switches control the behavior of the reverb depending on frequency: one for extending the reverb on lower frequencies and another for shortening it on higher frequencies. Additionally, a switch on the left allows you to toggle between three modes:

• 244: Simulating the EMT 244 for a brighter reverb.
• 245: Simulating the EMT 245, providing a darker, denser sound.
• +: A combination of both algorithms.

For those who like to dig deeper into settings, clicking “Open” reveals additional controls. Users can configure the reverb in mono/stereo, stereo/stereo, or dual mono modes. Furthermore, routing between the 244 and 245 algorithms is fully customizable, allowing for creative flexibility. Additional settings include EQ curves, modulation controls, and adjustments for the stereo width of the output signal.

Factory Presets

This plugin is also a quick fix for many mixing scenarios. Whether you apply it directly on a channel or send it via an aux, the PSP 2445 delivers stunning results with minimal tweaking.

The presets can provide a good starting point for those new to mixing or reverb, though it’s often better to play around with settings yourself. For vocal reverb, a bit of pre-delay (20 milliseconds is a good start) and around two seconds of reverb are typically a great foundation from which to work.

Sound Quality

The real question is, “Does it sound good?”, and the answer is a resounding “Yes”. While I haven’t had the opportunity to work with the original EMT hardware, the PSP 2445 delivers a stunning reverb sound that lives up to its reputation. Whether you’re working with drums, vocals, guitars, or other sound sources, this plugin provides a detailed, rich reverb that can easily enhance any mix.

If you’re a fan of short, 80s-style reverbs, the PSP 2445 is a perfect choice. The plugin also excels with longer ambiances, though it’s worth noting that the reverb time maxes out at 5 seconds, which might be a limitation for some users seeking ultra-long decays.

The PSP 2445 creates a beautiful, three-dimensional reverb that adds depth and space to your tracks. Its simple yet powerful controls allow you to achieve the perfect sound for any project easily.

Also read: 5 Tips for Using The Reverb Effect in Music Production

Conclusion

The PSP 2445 EMT is an outstanding reverb plugin. It faithfully emulates two of the most iconic digital reverbs in history and offers a range of modern features that make it highly versatile. Whether you’re after that signature 80s reverb sound or something more subtle and modern, this plugin delivers in spades.

With all the necessary controls at your fingertips, it’s hard not to get a great sound out of it. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best reverb plugins available today.

The PSP 2445, available for Windows and Mac, is priced at $149 on the PSP or Plugin Boutique websites. A fully functional demo version is also available for those looking to test it out before committing.

Note: To activate the PSP 2445 EMT plugin, you’ll need a free iLok account. No physical iLok is required; it is just the account for the software activation process.